Bid resolution passes for cemetery project

Officials estimate the cost for the cemetery project at $495,000. By PEGGY SINKOVICH VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF HUBBARD -- A resolution to seek bids for improvements at Maple Grove Cemetery passed, but not all of council approves of the project. The motion to advertise for bids for the signage, fencing and landscaping project passed by a 4-3 vote at Monday's regular meeting. The estimated cost for the project is $495,000, officials said. Objections "I voted no because we have no plans," said Councilman Bill Williams. "It's a lot of money to go ahead and vote when there is no plan." Council members John Marshall and Bonnie Viele concurred with Williams. "Before the meeting, I suggested that we table this issue for two weeks until we get some plans," Viele said. "I don't think two weeks would have made that much of a difference." Councilman Doug Rohrer said he sought passage Monday because the administration had asked that it be voted on this week. "It seems that we are getting more and more requests from the mayor to vote on projects when we don't have the plans," Rohrer said. Mayor Art Magee was out of town and not available to comment. Council members last month tabled an ordinance to borrow $1.9 million for constructing, furnishing and equipping a police station. The council members who voted against the request for legislation said at the time that they did not have the information they needed to approve the ordinance. After a meeting with the architect a few weeks later, council approved the ordinance. "Council wants to know what they are voting on," Rohrer said. City cleanup In other matters, council members discussed the possibility of a citywide cleanup week. "This would help us get the city cleaned up and get rid of the junk," said Councilman Edward Palestro. Williams, however, said when council discussed having a cleanup week a few years ago, members found it cost about $30,000. "Maybe we can ask some of the garbage companies that contract with our community to do it for free," Marshall said. "I don't know if they'll do it, but lots of these companies always want to give back to the community." sinkovich@vindy.com